When it’s time to listen to the herd

10 November 2017 When it’s time to listen to the herd Are we in bubble territory? Will there be a correction? You could spend every day looking at valuations and broker notes to form a view on whether the equities bull market is about to run out of steam, but it’s possible the best clues to whether we’re in bubble territory could be gleaned from your taxi driver, at your friend’s BBQ or at the …

Cryptocurrencies – Caution Needed

07 September 2017 Cryptocurrencies – Caution Needed Cryptocurrencies are generating a lot of interest from investors – helped in part by a near 2000 percent in the value of market leader – Bitcoin, but AMP Capital’s Shane Oliver is sitting on the fence.“No matter how many times its explained to me how it works I still struggle to completely understand it,” says Oliver, AMP Capital Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist. “One thing I …

Finding the winners from new technology

16 August 2017 Finding the winners from new technology A revolution happening in the energy industry and there will be winners (and losers). That’s the word according to AMP Capital Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist Shane Oliver. “The massive reduction in the cost of generating sustainable energy, together with energy that can be stored in batteries as battery technology evolves… is revolutionising things,” says Oliver. The rise and rise of sustainable energy sources …

How to make the most of investment and economic research

16 August 2017 How to make the most of investment and economic research In a world where people can be bombarded with information, AMP Capital Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist Shane Oliver recommends taking a strategic approach to investing. “If you are to be a successful investor you have to have an investment process,” says Oliver. The trick, he says, is cutting out the noise and sticking to the fundamentals. AMP Capital’s approach …

Bubbles mean trouble

16 August 2017 Bubbles mean trouble What is a bubble? AMP Capital Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist Shane Oliver puts it down to two main factors. “The first thing is a degree of over valuation. That is a situation where the price of an asset has diverged dramatically from the underlying fundamentals of the asset. Share prices have risen dramatically relative to earnings and dividends, or property prices have risen dramatically compared to …

Investing

Online learning Inform your financial decisions Investing Online learning: Investment basics Once you grasp the basics of investing, you can work towards choosing the right investments for you, and get on the road to building wealth. Start now Online learning: Good debt and bad debt Not all debt is bad but if you have a loan or a credit card, it pays to know the difference. You may be able to use good debt to …

Is it better to buy an investment property or home first?

Is it better to buy an investment property or home first? There’s a lot to consider when making such an important purchase, especially for the first time. Have you been saving up for a long time and finally feel ready to get into the property market? Maybe you’re considering either buying a home to live in or investing in a property you can rent out. Either way, it’s worth knowing some more about both options …

Women are building financial intelligence

Women are building financial intelligence International Women’s Day on 8 March encourages us to aim for parity for women. On average, Australian women are paid 17.1% less than meni. They also tend to spend more time away from paid work to have children and care for loved ones which impacts their income, savings and superannuation. The good news is things are improving. Women are building financial intelligence. Women are closing the gap Women have come a …

Investing in a holiday home

Investing in a holiday home       Is it really your great Aussie dream? Read more. It happens every year. You’re strolling down the high street of your local beachside town enjoying a long hot summer with the family when a holiday home in the real estate agents’ window catches your eye. And you start thinking: “If we had our own place, we could go there all year ‘round and instead of contributing to someone else’s …

Inheritance or unexpected windfall

  Inheritance or unexpected windfall What to do with some unexpected extra money? Although windfalls may be unexpected, if and when they happen, how do you make sure you make the most of them? And, when it comes to inheritance, how do you know if there are any special obligations or considerations that apply? Common questions to consider Some questions you may wish to consider include: What are my options? Do I have to pay …